Vermonters are capable of choice, they make excellent choices from many thousands of options on a daily basis, and they benefit from the ability to select one from multiple alternatives. VPR, PBS, WCAX, VtDigger and all the rest of the debate hosts have no right to keep candidates from compe…
Hurricane Michael’s path of destruction in Florida’s panhandle last week has brought apocalyptic environmentalists out of the woods in droves, reminding us that climate change is causing more and more hurricanes. However, a quick look at the National Hurricane Center’s records (easily found …
In the modern world, such as it is, things have changed dramatically since we were kids. Our environment is drastically different than it was just a few short years ago, and if we’re unwilling or unable to keep up, we’re doomed to have it all pass us by, which some among us might actually pr…
According to John Nassivera in his commentary, “Of babies, bathwater and bishops,” “Since 2004, there have been 3,400 abuse cases reported to the Holy See (Vatican).” I have been unable to verify this statement. He concludes that “less than 1 percent of the world’s priests” have molested chi…
On Saturday, Oct. 6, my heart broke. I felt outraged, silenced and betrayed as I watched the Senate vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.
One afternoon in 1991, Fred Hackett invited me to join him on a hike of Camel’s Hump. I considered it an honor, given that he had sponsored the legislation, years before, to make that mountain a state park. The next day we hit the trail an hour earlier than I usually woke up, but it meant we…
I have known Sam Costello since he was a student in a few of my classes back at MSJ. He was a leader in high school and I've been happy to see him go on to serve his community, particularly as the Rutland city attorney. He distinguished himself in that capacity and was generally thought high…
We, as Vermonters, deserve the very best leaders. In today’s culture, the word, “leader,” is overly used and easily taken for granted. We are quick to award the title of leader to far too many people who aren’t necessarily the most qualified for the job. We also, from time to time, have a ha…
Why am I urging the residents of Pawlet, Rupert, Wells, Tinmouth and Middletown Springs to re-elect Robin Chesnut-Tangerman for a third term as our representative?
Sound bites grab attention and sometimes win elections but they are not an indication of a person’s ability to do the job. Informed voters want to understand the logic and sentiment behind the sound bite.
Two things I took away from watching, and later discussing, Mr. Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing:
Rep. Peter J. Fagan, House, Ward 5-1, deserves your vote on Nov. 6. Rep. Fagan seeks input from constituents on matters that are important to them. He listens. He has the patience and desire to understand issues at the local level and takes the appropriate legislative steps to ensure our con…
At a time when LGBTQ equality has come under attack by those in the highest levels of government, it is encouraging to see that communities around the nation, and especially here in Vermont, continue to champion equality rights.
There are two certainties in life: We all want to debate taxes, and we all know we’re going to die debating how we should be taxed.
Following the confirmation and swearing-in of Brett Kavanaugh as the 114th Supreme Court justice, the national conversation swiftly turned to the political impact his partisan and dramatic confirmation process will have on the pending midterm elections. There was some analysis dedicated to h…
Many of us have read the recent scientific report on climate change that stresses the time constraints on the world’s response to such a dire situation.
I read in an AARP bulletin that President Donald Trump wanted those pesky Braille labels removed from the elevators in the Trump Tower when it was under construction. Why? He reportedly said no blind people would be living in Trump Tower. Even if that was true, how would he know unless he wa…
Andrew Costello’s campaign to be Rutland County probate judge deserves your support.
Several years ago, I served on the Rutland City board of aldermen. At that time, I needed someone knowledgeable whom I could trust as a guide and sounding board. William Notte was that someone. He spent hours explaining Rutland's deep historical context, ideological divides and board practic…
On Nov. 6, I will vote for Scott Garren for senator in Rutland County. I met Scott in 2012 while working on a volunteer committee focused on improving our health care system. Scott is a thoughtful and responsible individual. Scott has the right temperament in a time when we need more civil d…
The candidates have spoken, and it speaks volumes.
We need the press to do its job and both fact check and hold accountable those in positions of power and authority when they make misleading statements intended to confuse the public and when they lie — blatantly lie — to the people. They have the bully pulpit and exert inordinate power. Ord…
Once again, school security dollars come to the front page -- millions for “school security,“ all at taxpayer expense.
To the city of Rutland:
Thank you to all the Ed Cleveland for Representative supporters. Being part of the large group with Ed Cleveland yard signs is meaningful and encouraging. Ed Cleveland supporters are showing courage and caring for our neighbors and country. Thank you for your strength.
This fall, a friend of mine, Ed Cleveland, is running for state representative in Pawlet. Ed is a Republican. That is not why I am wholeheartedly endorsing him. I am sure we agree on many issues and I have no doubt that we also disagree on some issues. My endorsement of Ed has nothing to do …
American politics has always been blood sport. But these days, blood matters more.
We are writing this letter in support of the candidacy of Karl Anderson to be the next probate judge for Rutland County.
Vote Republican if you want to restrict women’s reproductive rights including birth control.
I watched the gubernatorial debate sponsored by VTDigger on Wednesday, Oct. 10, and Christine Hallquist once again proved that she has the leadership qualities Vermont needs.
I am writing in support of Andrew “Sam” Costello’s campaign for Rutland County Probate Judge. I have had the privilege of knowing Andrew most of my life. He is passionate about our courts treating everyone fairly. He is a man of integrity and he will always try to do the right thing. The Cos…
Last month, Eluid Kipchoge set the world speed record for running 26.2 miles, winning the Berlin Marathon with a time of 2:01:39. This Sunday, I, too, ran a marathon. My event was in Syracuse, New York, and I have no doubt people will be watching the race closely, comparing our performances.…
The recent confirmation process of Justice Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court has left many people feeling bereft in the face of a democracy that seems to be slipping away. At the federal level, the systems created to ensure that justice is served and that our three branches of government are ch…
I support William Notte for state representative, Rutland City Ward 4. I have served on the Board of Aldermen in Rutland City with Will for the past six years. He is currently in his 11th year, two of which he served as Board president. During this time, I have come to look up to him as a le…
I have had the opportunity to get to know Jim Harrison, first as a leader in the state’s retail and grocery community, and now as a member of the Vermont House of Representatives. He is exactly the type of legislator we need in Montpelier and I encourage voters of Bridgewater, Chittenden, Ki…
I am writing to urge your support for Stephanie Jerome for state representative for Brandon, Pittsford and Sudbury. Stephanie is smart, she is practical and she listens.
When I started working with Will Notte in 2015 at Phoenix Books, it took me a while to discover he was an alderman. He is never pretentious about it. Serving his community is just another aspect of who he is as a person. This is how he approaches life — with humility and a great sense of hum…
Some excerpted views from newspapers around New England.
I don’t know about you, but I hate to pick up a newspaper or watch the evening news.
For a century or more, politicians and economists have argued about the relationship, if any, between economic freedom and human well-being.
Fall is here, and with it the return of another school year. The return of our students means we will again be lucky enough to spend our days educating the next generation, seeing them learn new tools and skills and watching their grins when they grasp a difficult task.
Millennials often get a bad rap. But for all the grief they take for being “on screens” all of the time or living at home, their activism may be having a measurable effect on the world. That’s a very good thing.
Gov. Phil Scott’s ongoing financial stake in his former business — a business that continues to seek lucrative contracts with the state — violates Vermont’s new code of ethics. That is the clear position of Vermont’s independent Ethics Commission, as stated in an advisory opinion issued earl…
I attended, with great interest, the debate at the Paramount Wednesday night between Mr. Scott and Ms. Hallquist. We are so fortunate to have the Paramount Theatre that plays so many essential roles for our community.
This is great that GE is doing so good. But what the Rutland region needs is more manufacturing jobs that pay better wages than retail, fast food and convenience stores.
Back in January, I sat proudly listening as my husband, Brad Peacock, announced his candidacy as an Independent for the U.S. Senate. Brad has worked as a farmer in our hometown of Shaftsbury for more than a dozen years and does not have the connections, wealth or power most politicians seek …
I am writing in support of Brian Keefe’s campaign to continue serving as state representative for Arlington, Manchester, Sunderland and Sandgate.
Scott Garren has all the qualities that we need to successfully represent Rutland County in the Senate. Scott is intelligent, passionate, hard working and visionary. Scott is a champion of the working men and women. He is a champion of the middle class and the less fortunate.
Greg Cox is a farmer in West Rutland. He has worked his farm for 40 years. He understands the challenges and needs of those in the agriculture and dairy business and he knows how those Vermonters can do better. In fact, that's what Greg has been doing for years. Greg founded and organized a …
Support or oppose it, Medicare for All is a controversial idea.
